The Red Lion, Birmingham

A neat looking, detached, mock-Tudor style Ember Inn, in stone, with patio. The interior is of course modern and set up for food, as it's an Ember, so a strong clash with the exterior. It is open plan, encompassing the central bar area. The decor is the same as any other Ember; red, green, clay, cream walls, some painted wood panel, though there are beams here, along with a stone fire place with a stove in it. The usual vases, arty pictures, twigs and chopped wood are there as well, but a few old photos of the area are scattered about. There was a TV with Sky Sports News on. The music was mixed and at a decent level, the service was good and the clientele, at my visit, maturer and generally dining. Beer; tap stuff, with Brew XI, Purity UBU, Leeds Best and a decent enough Thwaites Tale Wagger. I am not a general fan of Embers, but this is as good as they will get for me - everything fine apart from the decor inside (i am a traditionalist!). If you like the Ember style, you should be happy here